25-11-2005: The 5-Year Agricultural Business Development Plan for Sonora, Mexico

Danilo S. Lopez is one of the principals of Novelle Consultants. Thirty years in fresh and packaged food marketing in Europe, Latin America and the U. S. Expert in production, grower relations, logistics, distribution, and in setting up and managing domestic and international joint ventures.

Selected Accomplishments

Strategic Marketing
Expanded core business and diversified products program for a multinational food company in Europe. Secured long term contracts with Eastern European countries, and Ireland. Strengthened retail program in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux.

Operations Planning and Control
Automated and consolidated production facilities of a large avocado cooperative resulting in 20% cost reduction and improved grower services. Started and managed farming and packing operations of a tomato company in California, Florida and Mexico.

Joint Venture Set Up
Concluded a production and marketing agreement between a multinational company and one of the largest vegetable growers in Mexico. Directed and managed joint ventures in the U. S., Mexico and the Dominican Republic as vice president and general manager of a wholly-owned subsidiary of a large food company.

Technology Assessment and E-Commerce
Conducted production technology review for value added fresh products and set up marketing, production and logistics network for greenhouse produce. Consulted with global perishables web-based electronic portal in the design, implementation and marketing of services. Provided produce industry domain expertise, assisted in setting up alliances and relationships, helped recruit and train marketing staff.

Strategic Sourcing
Consulted with companies to procure/import products from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Central American and Caribbean countries, and from southern Europe; and to set up logistics and distribution network.